California Club Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen features roasted chicken, smoked bacon, fresh avocado, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese layered on a golden, thin-crust pizza, delivering a savory and creamy flavor with a satisfying crunch.
Equipments
- Pizza stone or pizza steel
- Pizza peel
- Rolling pin
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet (optional, for prepping toppings)
- Cheese grater
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pizza dough
- 8 oz (225g) cooked roasted chicken breast
- 6 slices smoked bacon
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
When preparing the California Club Pizza, ensure your chicken breast is fully cooked and shredded for optimal texture. Choose ripe avocado to achieve the creamy consistency that complements the smoky flavor of bacon and roasted chicken. Use fresh cherry tomatoes for a burst of juiciness, balancing the richness of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Your dough should be rolled thin and crisp on a pizza stone or steel for the signature crunch of the crust. This California Club Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen copycat menu perfectly blends savory, creamy, and fresh ingredients into one satisfying bite.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) with pizza stone or steel inside.
- Cook bacon until crispy, then chop into pieces.
- Slice cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Halve or quarter cherry tomatoes.
- Slice avocado.
- Chop romaine lettuce.
- In mixing bowl, toss lettuce with mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Roll out pizza dough on floured surface to desired thinness.
- Transfer dough to pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal.
- Evenly spread mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over dough.
- Scatter chicken and bacon evenly on top of cheese.
- Add cherry tomatoes.
- Slide pizza onto preheated pizza stone/steel in oven.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Remove pizza from oven with pizza peel.
- Top immediately with dressed lettuce and avocado slices.
- Slice and serve.
Substitution
California Club Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen copycat recipes capture the signature blend of roasted chicken, smoked bacon, avocado, tomatoes, and mozzarella on a crisp thin crust. You can substitute smoked turkey bacon for the smoked bacon if you prefer a lighter option or need a pork-free alternative. Fresh avocado can be replaced with guacamole or sliced cucumber for a different creamy texture or added crunch. When fresh romaine is unavailable, sturdy spinach leaves or mixed greens work well to retain the salad-like topping. Using a pizza stone or steel is recommended to achieve the ideal crispy crust, but a preheated baking sheet can be a practical substitute in home kitchens.
Tips
Preheat your oven fully to 500degF (260degC) with the pizza stone or steel inside to ensure a crispy, evenly baked crust. Use a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal for easy transfer of the rolled-out dough onto the hot stone. After baking, add the dressed romaine lettuce and avocado immediately to preserve their fresh texture and avoid wilting. Cooking bacon until crispy and chopping it before placing on the pizza balances flavor and texture in every bite.
Nutritions
California Club Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen provides a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables. Roasted chicken and smoked bacon contribute lean protein and essential amino acids, while avocado adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber. Cherry tomatoes and romaine lettuce supply vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber to support immune function and digestion. Your meal offers a flavorful way to enjoy a variety of nutrients, making it both satisfying and nutritious.
Storage
Store leftover California Club Pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to preserve freshness. Refrigerate promptly, ideally within two hours of baking, and consume within 3-4 days to maintain optimal flavor and texture. Reheat slices on a pizza stone or skillet to retain its crispy crust and melty cheese, ensuring your pizza tastes just as delicious the next day.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap roasted chicken with grilled turkey breast for a leaner protein option that still complements the smoky bacon. Instead of mayonnaise in the lettuce dressing, use Greek yogurt to add tanginess and reduce calories while maintaining creaminess. Try using smoked gouda or provolone cheese for a different twist on the classic mozzarella flavor profile. For a crispier crust, parbake the pizza dough for 3-4 minutes on the pizza stone before adding toppings.
Allergies
The California Club Pizza contains common allergens such as dairy from mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, eggs from mayonnaise, and gluten from the pizza dough, which may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. Smoky bacon and avocado may also cause allergic responses in those with specific meat or fruit allergies. If you have any food allergies, ensure to verify ingredient lists and consult with your healthcare provider before enjoying this pizza.
Why this recipe?
California Club Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen is popular due to its perfect blend of smoked chicken, crispy bacon, fresh avocado, and mozzarella cheese, creating a savory and satisfying flavor. The combination of fresh ingredients and a hand-tossed crust offers a unique texture that appeals to pizza lovers seeking both taste and quality. You will enjoy the homemade version because it allows customization of freshness and ingredient quality, enhancing the overall experience. Trying the copycat recipe at home is worth it for replicating the restaurant's balanced flavors while adjusting to your preferred taste profile.